India on Track to Become Global Data Capital in Five Years: Telecom Minister Scindia

India is poised to emerge as the world’s “data capital” within the next five years, according to Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia. Speaking at the Confederation of Indian Industry’s Annual Business Summit 2025, Scindia credited the country’s digital transformation to a robust telecom revolution and unparalleled connectivity.

Highlighting the country's rapid progress, Scindia pointed out that India's mobile subscriber base has expanded to 1.2 billion, making it the second-largest market globally. Broadband penetration, too, has crossed 940 million users, signaling a deep digital reach across urban and rural landscapes.

A key driver of this growth is the drastic drop in mobile data costs — from ₹287 per GB a decade ago to just ₹9 today — positioning India’s data rates at a mere 5% of the global average. Scindia noted that such affordability has democratized access to essential services including education, healthcare, and e-commerce.

Government reforms and initiatives like Digital India, BharatNet, and the PLI scheme for telecom manufacturing have further reinforced this growth. The newly launched Sanchar Mitra Scheme also aims to enhance customer grievance redressal systems.

On satellite communication, Scindia stated that regulatory frameworks are in place, with two private operators already approved and a third nearing compliance.

Despite challenges around privacy, digital monopolies, and rural coverage gaps, India’s model of affordable, large-scale digital infrastructure offers a powerful example for emerging economies. As India advances, it is not just chasing numbers but laying the foundation for innovation, employment, and inclusive growth — setting the stage to define the global digital economy of the future.

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